Middlesbrough are interested in signing Leicester City‘s Oliver Skipp as they look increasingly likely to sell Hayden Hackney this summer.

Boro’s loss in the playoff final against Hull City effectively ended their hopes of being able to keep their star midfielder and captain, who has been frequently linked with a move to the Premier League.

Boro Balk At Skipp Price Tag

According to the Telegraph’s John Percy, Middlesbrough are keen on signing Leicester midfielder Oliver Skipp, with the Foxes in dire need to sell players in order to balance their books to meet the EFL’s financial rules.

Playing in 37 of their games last season, the 25-year-old was unable to stop City’s downward spiral towards League One, suffering his, and the club’s second straight relegation.

Russell Martin has been tasked with clearing out his squad in order to fund new transfers and will also entertain sales of Abdul Fatawu, Ben Nelson, Stephy Mavididi and others.

One of those likely to be shipped off is Skipp’s midfield partner in Harry Winks, who is believed to be in talks with Serie A side Cagliari after Leicester green-lit his departure.

However, Boro’s interest may be stifled at the £15 million price tag the Foxes have set for the former Spurs midfielder, which has encouraged Kim Hellberg’s side to look for other targets.

Percy also reports that the Teesside club are set to receive a £25 million injection in funds from Hackney’s impending sale, with Everton moving closer to a full agreement for the 24-year-old and a deal is expected to be completed in the coming days.

High Price Could Stifle Progress

After a disastrous two seasons, Leicester City have been hit with a harsh reality check and now need to clear out their dressing room for as much as possible.

However, as Middlesbrough believe, a £15 million price tag for Oliver Skipp may be too steep a price, and that certainly could come to the detriment of the club as they hone in on a hard reset.

Having signed him for £20 million from Tottenham Hotspur just two years ago, it is understandable that the club will want to minimise the overall loss they have taken on the player, but given his failure to impress while at the King Power, that may be a struggle to do.

As Leicester look to try and recruit new options alongside promoting the best of their youth crop to compete in League One next season, shedding some of their top earners as soon as possible will be key, so lowering the price and hoping Boro return to the table should be a priority.